"We are going out of the value-chain by promoting these industries. Generally, this is part of the new economic model that the government has embarked on," Director General of MIDA Datuk Jalilah Baba said.

She said the focus this year would be on the knowledge-based industry with the aim of bringing in skilled and knowledge into the country rather than dollars and cents.

"The new trend for foreign direct investments coming in, will be on innovation and high-knowledge content in the manufacturing and services industry," she said at the Invest Malaysia 2010 pre-event press conference here Thursday.

She said MIDA was aggresively promoting the industries through its 19 overseas offices.

On domestic direct investment, she said MIDA will continue to assist local players as well as the small and medium-sized enterprises to invest in the country.

"We are not neglecting domestic investment. For many years we have had roadshows and seminars to assist them," she added.

Jalilah said MIDA was also linking them with multinational companies through its Industial Linkage Program.

MIDA, this year will be joining Invest Malaysia 2010 to showcase FDI opportunities in the country and Malaysia's increasingly pivotal role in Asean marketplace to delegates.

Organised by Bursa Malaysia, the event will be held from March 30-31 at the Shangri-La Hotel here.

"We hope to attract not only portfolio investors but also high-knowledge industry in the manufacturing and services sectors at this event.

"We realise that the services sector will be the one to propel the economy and bring us to higher level," she added.

-- BERNAMA